Known for his stylistic innovations, Henri Matisse, one of the influential artists of the 20th century, sought to discover "the essential character of things" through his art "of balance, purity, and serenity," as noted in his 'Notes of a Painter.'

An owl sculpture 'Chouette' hand-painted by Pablo Picasso and inspired by his own pet owl, sold for $1.9m.

The auction also broke a record in the sale of $11.7m paid for a drawing by Georges Seurat -- a study for his monumental 'Une baignade, Asnieres' oil painting.